Obituary: Michaels Craft Store Founder
By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 5/6/2010 9:45:00 AM
Dallas — Michael J. Dupey, founder of the Michaels craft chain, passed away at his Dallas home on Saturday, May 1, at the age of 64. Dupey got his start in retailing in 1968 when his father bought a money-losing Ben Franklin five-and-dime store in Dallas and made him the manager. Dupey quickly began changing the store's focus to craft supplies. The name was changed to Michaels Arts and Crafts and began to add locations. Dupey's father sold the company in 1983 but retained exclusive rights to the Dallas-Fort Worth territory for his son.
Dupey later renamed his stores MJDesigns. At its peak in 1997, MJDesigns had sales of about $250 million from 57 stores. MJDesigns was forced into Chapter 11 when predecessor Michaels Stores, then controlled by Dallas brothers Sam and Charles Wyly, moved back into the market. Dupey lost ownership of his company in 1999. He tried again in 2002 with MPort, a short-lived discount home decor and accessories store. He is survived by two children, Todd Dupey and Melissa Jabin; two grandchildren; and ex-wife Patty.
Mike and Patty were wonderful people to work for. They were so generous to me. I cleaned for them for several years. I saw a lot of their ups and downs during the bankruptcy. I couldn't believe the people that were suppose to be their friends and how they betrayed them. They are two of the best people you could meet. Mike was so funny at times. So Sad.
Melody R. Fulgham - 2010-12-17 21:24:53 ESTNo related articles for this topic.
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